Westminster council could send homeless families to Coventry to be re-housed

People living in Westminster who suddenly find themselves homeless could be sent to live in temporary accommodation in Coventry, under new plans.

Currently just 3% of homeless families in Westminster – one of London’s richest boroughs – are rehoused outside Greater London.

But government plans to force local authorities to sell off social housing, together with homelessness and housing benefits cuts, may force the area to house people outside of the capital.

Westminster council said that families without a home would be prioritised into bands, with those needing the most extended support being placed at the top of the queue to remain as close as possible.

Households with children sitting key exam stages in local schools would be in the second band, meaning they would be re-homed in Greater London.

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However, those in band three may find themselves moved as far away as Coventry in the West Midlands – but the the supply of temporary accommodation in these areas are limited, according to the City of Westminster.

Westminster’s cabinet member for housing, councillor Daniel Astaire, said the council had to make difficult choices.

He told The Guardian: “While we always try to provide accommodation for homeless people in Westminster, like many other boroughs of all political persuasions we have to look at identifying suitable homes beyond the city’s boundaries.”

Westminster council says it will seek to make more homeless households the offer of a private rented tenancy rather than more expensive temporary accommodation.

It added that families forced to leave London would be helped to find schools, nursery places and local GPs.

The council has 4,500 people on its priority list but only between 600 and 800 rented homes become available each year.

Westminster’s Labour opposition leader, councillor Adam Hug, said: “It is essential that Westminster radically improves its council house building plans and challenges the divisive government policies that underpin these worrying plans.”

Top pic: Rex